Vehicle parking device



g- 1941- H. s. JOHNS 2,251,407

VEHICLE PARKING DEVICE Filed Sept. 20, 193'? 4 Shee'ts-She et 1 INVENTOR H15 AMAN 5. JOHNS ATTORNEY g- 5, H. s. JOHNS 2,251,407

VEHICLE PARKINGDEVICE Filed Sept. 20, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 IINVENTOR HffiMA/V .5. JOHNS ATTORN EY Aug. 5, 1941- H. s. JOHNS VEHICLE PARKING DEVICE Filed Sept. 20, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR f/EXWIN 5. JOHN5 BY ATTORNEY Fatented Aug. 5, ig il PATENT OFFICE VEHICLE PARKING DEVICE Herman S. .l'ohns, Oklahoma City, Okla, assignor to Wiley W. Lowrey, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Application September 20, 1937, Serial No. 164,728

22 Claims.

. part of my co-pending application filed November 4, 1936, Serial No. 109,107.

In recent years, many larger cities throughout the country have installed vehicle parking devices, generally known as parking meters, on their streets to control the parking problem in congested business districts. The payment of a nominal sum by the motorist entitles him to park his vehicle in a designated place for a predetermined length of time, after which he must deposit another coin or relinquish his parking space. The primary purpose of the parking meter is not a source of revenue, but is to discourage the practice of one motorist occupying a particular parking space for several hoursat a time, whereby several motorists may utilize the same space at different intervals or periods throughout the day, thereby resulting in a constant movement or replacement of the parked vehicles.

As is well known, the usual type of parking meter. employs a movable indicator which is operated by a clock mechanism. The clock mechanism is actuated by the insertion of a coin and continues to move the indicator until the period has expired, regardless of whether or not a vehicle is occupying the space adjacent thereto. Therefore, the motorist who deposits the coin and starts the indicator in its movement may leave the parking space after ten minutes and assuming the particular meter to be adjusted for a sixty minute period, the indicator would continue its movement for the remaining fifty minutes. A second motorist may then park on the unexpired time of another and need not deposit another coin until the indicator has completed its travel.

This type of meter which is now in general use, has fallen far short of its primary purpose due to the fact that instead of relieving trailic congestion, it has in many instances increased the same because the motorists are constantly cruising about in an attempt to locate a parking space having unexpired time which may be. used without cost. Not only do the parking me- .ters fail to relieve congestion but also a considerable portion of just revenue from them is lost due to the free use of time which has not been fully used by the previous motorist.

Another objectionable feature of the present type of meter is that the motorist may keep his vehicle in a particular space throughout an entire day provided he deposits another coin each time the paid for period expires. In other words, the space may be occupied by one motorist throughout several periods, which defeats the purpose intended in that the constant change or replacement of vehicles in the parking places is not accomplished.

Further, the indicator of the present parking meter is comparatively small and it is diflicult to determine the exact position of the same from any great distance. The disposition of said indicator is such that when viewed from an angle, the indication is not clearly visible and, therefore; the police oiilcer or other oiiicial, as well as the motorist, must observe said indicator from a point directly opposite and comparatively close to the meter in order to be absolutely sure of the indication.

Some of the meters now in use have a window below the indicator through which the coin which has been deposited, is visible but since the window is comparatively small, being substantially the same size as the coin, it is almost indiscernible from a distance and in order to observe the same the observer must be in close proximity to the meter. This window is separate from the window through which the indicator is visible and an observer cannot see both the indication and the coin at a single glance which necessitates his halting opposite the meter in close proximity thereto, to determine the indication and observe that the coin is a proper one.

In actual use, the parking meters are located throughout the length of a street and one police officer may be assigned several blocks. Ordinarily, the oflicer checks the meters as he travels along the street in a vehicle and with-the present type of meters it is almost impossible to determine the indication on said meters without stopping opposite said meters. Many times, the sun or shadows throw a reflection on the windows and the officer must approach within a few feet of the meter to determine the indication.

From the above, it will be seen that the present types of parking meters which are now in general use, have many disadvantages which tend to defeat their purpose and it is, therefore, one of the objects of the present invention to provide a vehicle parking device which will overcome these disadvantages, as well as the other objections present in the usual meters.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved parking meter which is controlled by the presence or absence of a vehicle in the parking space adjacent thereto, whereby each time a vehicle leaves said space the meter is cleared and returned to starting position, regardless of whether or not the vehicle has remained in the space throughout the entire parking period, thereby eliminating any unexpired time on the indicator and consequently obviating cruising by the motorists in an attempt to locate a meter having suchunexpired time; such arrangement forcing each motorist to deposit a coin when he parks his vehicle in a designated parking space.

Another object ofthe invention is to provide an improved parking meter which is constructed so that it cannot be operated unless a vehicle is properly parked in the space adjacent thereto, whereby the motorist must properly park his vehicle before the meter can be actuated.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved parking meter which is controlled by the presence of the vehicle in the parking space adjacent thereto which is so arranged that after the allotted time or parking period has expired, the meter cannot be further actuated until the vehicle in said space has been moved to clear the meter and return it to its starting position, whereby the practice of the motorist occupying the space for a greater length of time than one parking period merely by inserting another coin, is eliminated.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved parking meter having a single illuminated signal which is dimly. lighted when no vehicle is in its space and which flashes when a vehicle enters said space to indicate that the vehicle is properly parked but no coin has been inserted; insertion of the coin extinguishing the signal which becomes brightly illuminated when the paid for parking period has expired to indicate the expiration of the allotted time, the signal returning to a dim glow when the vehicle is removed to indicate that the parking space is unoccupied. The use of the illuminated signal making it possible to observe the meter from a distance to ascertain the condition of the meter, whereby it is not necessary to closely approach said meter to determine if the vehicle is properly parked and the parking time paid for.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved parking meter having a recessed window or windows through which the indicating dial or dials are clearly visible, said dial or dials having an opening therein with means for retaining the coin which has been deposited to operate the meter, in alinement with said opening whereby the dial or dials and the coin are clearly visible through the opening or openings; the recessing of said opening or openings preventing sun rays or reflections from interfering with the visibility of the dial and coin.

A particular object'of the invention is to provide an improved parking meter which is electrically operated and which is provided with a magnetic element in its base adjacent the parking space for the vehicle, whereby the area of stress or magnetic field between the poles of said element is located within the parking space so that a vehicle entering said space will enter the field and act upon the magnetic element to cause the same to operate certain of the electrical apparatus controlling the meter; the magnetic element being so arranged as to co-act with the coin receiving unit of the meter, whereby the element and the coin co-act to complete the operation of said meter, thereby making the operation of the meter dependent upon the presence or absence of a vehicle within the parking space.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved parking meter of the character described, which has its time indicating mechanism actuated by an electrical impulse whereby accuracy of the indication is assured and the operation is not aflected by weather or other conditions; the construction of the meter being such that it may be electrically connected to a single source of time impulse along with a plurality of other meters so that all the meters are actuated by the single impulse; there being means provided within each meter for electrically disconnecting it from the impulse source when the same is not in use, such disconnection having no effect on the operation of the other meters in the circuit.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Figure 1 is an elevation of a vehicle parking device, constructed in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 is a similar view, taken at right angles to Figure 1,

Figure 3 is an enlarged, transverse, sectional view, taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a face view of one of the side plates of the coin receiving and dial unit,

Figure 5 is a transverse, vertical sectional view,

taken on the line 55 of Figure 3,

Figure 6 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 66 of Figure 3,

Figure 7 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 3,

Figure 8 is a face view of the side plate opposite the plate shown in Figure 4,

Figure 9 is a longitudinal, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 8,

Figure 10 is an enlarged view, partly in section and partly in elevation of the upper portion of the device,

Figure 11 is a wiring diagram,

Figure 12 is an enlarged, vertical, sectional view of the lower portion of the device and showing the wheel of a parked vehicle within the parking space to indicate the relation of the vehicle to the device,

Figure 13 is a sectional view of another form of magnetic control element, and

Figure 14 is a partial, horizontal, cross-sectional view taken through the locking mechanism.

In the drawings (Figures 1, 2 and 12), the numeral l0 designates a base which is substantially rectangular in cross-section and which is formed with a peripheral flange II at its lower end. The base is suitably anchored .to the ground surface adjacent a vehicle parking space, as will be explained. The upper end of the base is formed with a cylindrical, internally screwthreaded opening I2 and the lower end of an elongate tubular post I3 is screwed into this opening, whereby said post extends upwardly from the base. A tubular head or housing l4 has its lower end telescoping the upper end of the post l3 and may be suitably secured to said post by a set screw l5 (Figures 3 and 10). The set screw extends through the upper end of the post from the interior thereof and has its end engaging th bore of the tubular head. The upper end of the head or housing I! is closed by a cap i6 which is threaded into said head. The

top of the cap it is spaced from the remainder thereof by a plurality of vertical pins l'l, wherebythe interior of the cap may be observed from any direction around the head. The specific details of the cap will be hereinafter set forth. An incandescent lamp or bulb I8 is located within the cap and, when illuminated, is visible from any direction.

A coin slot I9 is located in the wall of the head or housing I l near the upper end thereof, while recessed openings 20 are provided in said housing below the slot. The openings are located diametrically opposite each other and have a magnifying lens 2| covering the same. An indicating dial 22 (Figure 10) is visible through each opening and the dials are formed with a central aperture 23, whereby a coin deposited in the slot l9 may fall between the dials and be retained therebetween so as to be visible through said apertures. Since the recessed openings are located diametrically opposite each other in the housing, it will be manifest that one of said openings may I be directed outwardly so as to be visible from the street, which would dispose the other opening in full view of an observer on the sidewalk. The base It], as well as the post l3, are preferably constructed of non-magnetic material such as brass, while the head or housing may be made of any suitable metal. The exterior of the base, post and head may be painted or enamelled to make the same more attractive.

The device is mounted adjacent the parking space and is usually anchored in the sidewalk contiguous to the curbstone. The disposition of the bulb I8 within the cap, together with the construction of said cap, permits the bulb to be observed from any direction-or angle, while the location of the recessed openings 20 is such that the dials 22 are visible from either the street or the sidewalk. It is pointed out that the bulb l8 may be of any desired color when illuminated, it being preferable that this color be red. It is believed that a brief description of the operation of the meter will clarify the purposes and'objects and therefore, the particular means employed for performing the functions will be subsequently described.

One of the devices is, of course, mounted adjacent each parking space throughout the length of the street and all of the devices are controlled from a single master control. Since the meters are used only during the daytime as for example, from 7:00 A. M. to 6:00 P. M., the meters would not be in operation during the remainder of the day and night. Whenthe meter is placed in condition for operation through the master control, the bulb i8 is immediately illuminated so that a dim light is visible to the observer. The current to the bulb l8 at this time is passing through a resistance whereby said bulb is not brightly illuminated, but is more or less of a dim glow. This dim light indicates that the meter is in operation but that the parking space governed by such meter is unoccupied and no coin has been inserted proper position and that a coin must be inserted into the coin slot iii to pay for the space.

When the coin is deposited in the coin slot i9, the same falls downwardly between the dials 22 and as it does so it operates a switch which extinguishes the bulb I6 whereby the flashing signal is cut off. The coin is retained between the dials 22 and is clearly visible through the apertures 23 in said dials. At the same time that the bulb l8 was caused to change from a dim glow to a flashing signal, the dials 22 were started in their rotation whereby the time began registering immediately when the vehicle entered the space. This makes it impossible for the motorist to drive into the space and wait five or ten minutes before depositing his coin, and thereby obtain an additional parking period. Throughout the allotted time, the bulb l8 remains extinguished and the dials 22 rotate to record this time. The coin being retained between the dials is clearly visible at all times and an observer may readily note, at a glance, the coin as well as the indication on the dials 22.

A police ofiicer can readily observe the meter from a distance and can immediately determine which parking spaces are unlawfully occupied. If a vehicle is within a particular space and the bulb I8 is flashing, this indicates that the motorist has not deposited his coin. If the space is unoccupied, the bulb I8 will be dimly lighted and in the event that a car is within a space with said bulb dim, then the officer immediately knows that the vehicle is not sufficiently close to the curb and is therefore improperly parked. The use of the illuminated signal which is visible from any direction eliminates the necessity of the ofllcer walking to each meter to determine whether any car is occupying a space without payment.

After the time has expired on the meter, as indicated by the dials 22, the bulb i8 is again illuminated to indicate that the vehicle is parked overtime in the space. The illumination of the bulb at this time is very bright as against the dim glow when the parking space i unoccupied.-

whereby a difference in the brightness of the light indicates to the observer the condition of the meter. Thus, if a car is within the space and the bulb i8 is dim, this indicates that the car is improperly parked, whereas if the bulb is bright with a car within the parking space, the observer immediatley knows that the parking period has expired for that space.

The bulb ill will remain brightly illuminated and the coin will beretained within the dials 22 until the vehicle is moved from the parking space. Therefore,- it is impossible to place another coin within the slot to again actuate the meter until the vehicle within the space has been moved out of said space and another vehicle entered therein. As soon as the vehicle leaves the space, the bulb I8 is returned to a dim glow and at the same time the coin between the dials 22. is dropped from therebetween. Also, the dials are returned to a starting position so as to be ready for the next operation. When the next vehicle drives into the space, the bulb l8 again begins to flash to indicate to that motorist that he is properly parked and that a coin must be inserted. Insertion of the coin by the second motorist will repeat the operation as above described.

The base unit Referring to Figure 12, it will be seen that the base unit includes the base I0 which is hollow and which, as has been stated, is substantially rectangular in cross-section. An anchor plate 25 is embedded in the concrete sidewalk 26 ad- Jacent the curbstone and is rigidly fastened thereto by anchor bolts 21. The plate has an upwardly extending tubular stud 28 which projects through an opening in the upset bottom 29 of the base In. A nut 30 is screwed onto the upper endof the stud and securely fasten the base to the anchor plate.

A metallic conduit or pipe 3| is embedded in the concrete 26 and has its upper end extending through the tubular stud 28 and nut 30 and electrical lead wires A and B are confined within said conduit. The wires lead from a generator G or other suitable source of supply and conduct theelectrical current to the electrical apparatus within the device as will be hereinafter explained.

A magnetic element 32 which is substantially U-shaped is mounted to swing within the base l0, being secured to the lower end of a rod 33 which has its upper end extending into the post I3. The extreme upper end of the rod is provided with an opening 34 through which a transverse supporting pin 35 extends, whereby said.

rod is suspended from the pin. The pin is sub-' stantially triangular in'cross-section whereby the rod is suspended from one of the Knife-like edges of the pin, the mounting being similar to that used in supporting scale beams. Normally, the rod 33 hangs vertically from the pin which places the magnet 32 in the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 12.

The arms 32' or poles of the magnet are directed outwardly toward the street whereby the area of stress or magnetic field between the poles 'extends' beyond the curbstone as indicated by the dotted lines S. When a vehicle is driven into the parking space the magnetic mass of 4 the vehicle enters the area of stress between the poles and the magnet is drawn toward the vehicle into the position shown in full lines in Figure 12, whereby the magnet is swung on the pin 35. The magnet is of such strength that its area of stress extends approximately eighteen inches beyond the curbstone, whereby the vehicle must be parked within eighteen inches of said curb in order to swing the magnet. Ofcourse, this-distance may vary and the invention is not to be limited to the particular distance herein specified. The base In and post l3 are of non-magnetic material and do not effect the magnet.

* It is pointed out that the magnet 32 must have sufiicient strength to create the magnetic field within the parking space but yet, due to the fact that it must be mounted within the device, its size must be limited. The usual magnetic material has been found unsuitable for the purpose herein because to obtain the necessary strength the size of the magnet would prevent its use in a parking device of this character. The magnet 32 is constructed of a metal alloy known as Alnico" and is sold by the General Electric Company of Schenectady, New York. The maximum available energy is higher for Alnico" than for the usual magnet alloys and occurs at a lower flux density and a higher demagnetizing force and therefore, maximum magnetic force with a minimium size magnet may be obtained through the use of this alloy. However, there may be other magnet alloys which could be used, although they are not generally known. Suilice it to say that so long as sufficient magnetic force is obtained with a magnet of comparatively small size so as to be insertable within a parking device, the purposes of this invention will be accomplished.

Within the base Ill and between the arms 32' of the magnet, an electrical contact arm 40 is mounted. This arm has one end rigidly fastened to a support 4| while its other end is free to swing. The arm is electrically connected to the lead wire A which conducts electrical current thereto. The free end of the arm 40 is located in the path of an angular actuating member or lug 42 which is attached to the magnet 32, whereby when the magnet is swung by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space, the contact arm 43 is also swung. v

Normally, the arm 40 is in engagement with a switch blade 43 which is also secured to the support 4| and thus when the magnet is in a normal position (dotted lines, Figure 12) an electrical circuit is closed between the arm 40 and blade 43. When the magnet is swung the arm is disengaged from the blade 43 and is moved into engagement with a blade 44 to conduct the current from the wire A to said blade 44. As will be explained, the engagement of the arm and blade 44 closes an electrical circuit which actuates the dials 22 to start rotation thereof, whereby when a vehicle enters the parking space and the magnet is swung the dials begin to operate. When the vehicle leaves the space, the magnet immediately swings to its normal position, permitting the arm 40 to re-engage the blade 43 and this closes a circuit to the clearing apparatus as will be explained, to clear the meter and return the dials to a starting position in readiness for the next operation.

Above the arm 40 and blades 43 and 44, a second contact arm 45 is mounted on a support 46. The free end of this arm is also in the path of the lug 42 on the magnet and is normally in engagement with a switch blade 41. When so engaged an electrical circuit is closed through a resistance (as will be explained) to the bulb l8, whereby said bulb is dimly lighted when the magnet 32 is in a normal position and no vehicle is within the space.

When a vehicle enters the space the magnet swings to move thearm 45 into engagement with the switch blade 48, which closes an electrical circuit to the bulb l8 through a flashing apparatus, whereby the bulb which'was dimly lighted flashes on and oh. It is noted that the magnet 32 swings the arms 40 and 45 simultaneously whereby the circuits, controlled by the movement of said arms, are broken and completed simultaneously. Since the swinging magnet controls the position of the arms 40 and 45, it might be said that the presence or absence of a vehicle within the space controls said arms and their respective circuits, which will be hereinafter set forth.

The post unit shelf 5| disposed within the post. The coin con- 2,251,407 tainer has a flared opening in its top to guide the bler mechanism 55 is mounted within an open- 'ing 56 formed in the upper end of the sleeve and said mechanism extends inwardly through the vertical slot 52 into the interior of the post. The tumbler mechanism includes a shaft 51! which is rotatable by a suitable key (not shown) and this shaft has a hook 58 secured to its inner end. When the sleeve 53 is in a raised position, the hook is adapted to engage over the inner end of the screw which fastens the head I4 and post l3 together. The engagement of said hook with the screw locks the sleeve in a raised position from which it cannot be moved until a key (not shown) is utilized to rotatethe shaft 51 and disengage said hook from the screw l5. As the sleeve is slid downwardly to uncover the opening 69 the tumbler mechanism 55 moves downwardly in the vertical slot 52. It is pointed out that the Wires which lead from the contact arms 40 and 45 and switch blades 43, 44, 41 and 68 may be enclosed in a single sheathing or conduit 59 which extends upwardly through the post and into the head or housing M (Figures and 12) to the electrical apparatus within said head.

The coin receiving and dial unit Above the coin container or receptacle 50 and located within the head or housing I4 is a coin receiving and dial unit 60. This unit is insertable within the housing from the open upper end thereof and has a transverse width which is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the housing, whereby it has a snug fit therein. When in place, the lower end of the unit rests upon the upper end of the post l3 which is located within the lower end of the housing. The unit includes a pair of side plates BI and 62 between which the coin receiving mechanism is mounted. An electrical bulb receptacle 63 is secured by the upper end of the plate 6i and receives the bulb l8, whereby said bulb is supported within the cap IS.

The side plate 6| (Figures 4, 5 and 9) has a spacer plate 64 secured to its inner surface by screws 65 and this plate is of substantially the same size as the side plate. A circular opening 66 is formed in the inner plate 64 and an enlarged gear 61 is mounted to rotate therein. A concentric opening 68 is provided in the side plate.6l and is smaller in diameter than the opening 66, whereby the peripheral portion of the gear 61 is hidden when observed from the outer side of theplate 6|, the remainder of the gear being clearly visible through the opening 68. The central portion of the gear is cut out to form the aperture 23 and this aperture is closed by a glass window 69. The outer portion of the gear surrounding the aperture 23 is visible through the opening 68 in the side plate and this portion isprovided with suitable indications or numerals to form the indicating dial 22. The indications on the dial represent minutes or other durations of time and the opening 68 is so located in the plate (ii that when the unit 60 is in position within the head or housing M, the

dial 22 on the gear 61 is clearly visible through one of the sight openings 20 of the housing. A suitable pointer 10 (Figure 4) is fastened to the outer side of the plate BI and when the dial is in a starting position, the pointer is opposite the zero on said dial.

The dial gear 61 is in constant engagement with a smaller gear II which is mounted within a recess 12 formed in the inner plate 64. Being in constant mesh with the gear 61, the gear H a is rotated therewith and is employed for resetting or returning the dial to its starting position. v

The other side plate 62 of the unit 60 (Figures 7 and 8) is constructed in substantially the same manner as the plate 6|, being provided with an inner plate 64 fastened thereto by bolts 65'. The plate 64' has an opening 66' wherein a dial gear 61 is rotatably confined. The side plate 62 has an opening 68" concentric to the opening 66' in the inner plate and the second dial 22 is formed on the outer surface of the gear 61. This latter gear has the aperture 23 therein,

through which the coin inserted into the device,

is visible. The inner plate 64' has a recess 12' above the opening 66 and a smaller gear 'll' which is in constant mesh with the gear 61',

is rotatably confined in said recess. The gear H is connected with the gear H by a stub shaft 13 whereby said gears are simultaneously rotatable. inner plates 64 and 64, are of the same size and the openings and recesses are disposed alike in each, whereby when the plates are secured to each. other, the gears 61 and 61' and the gears H and H are lined with each other. 7

Spacer members l5, l6 and 11 are interposed between the inner plates 64 and 64' and serve to space said plates from each other when the unit is assembled. The bolts 65 pass through the plates SI, 62, 64 and 64' and through the spacing. members to fasten the parts together, and the width of said members is substantially equal to the width of the coin which operates the device. When the parts are so assembled the shaft 13 which connects the gears H and l I extends through a recess or cut out 18 formed in the upper end of the spacer member 15. A flat spring 19 surrounds the shaft within this recess and has one end secured thereto with its other end fastened to a pin 19', whereby said spring constantly urges the gears II and H, as well as the dial gears 61 and 61 to rotate in a direction which will return said dial position, as will be explained.

For imparting a rotation to the dial gears 61 and Ii'l' so that the dials 22 thereon indicate the lapse of time, an actuating magnetic coil is mounted on the outer surface of the plate 52 at the lower end thereof (Figure 8). An arm 8| has its lower end pivotally mounted on the bracket 80' and the free or upper end oi said arm is adapted to swing inwardly toward the coil when the coil is energized. A coiled spring 82 is secured to the lower end of the arm and constantly exerts its tension, to urge the upper end of the arm outwardly from the coil, the opposite end of the spring being attached to a. fixed lug depending from the bracket. The outward swinging of the arm is limited by a. set screw 83 which is located in the path of said arm.

The extreme upper end of the arm 8| has one end of a laterally extending actuating bar 84 gears to a starting The plates 6| and 62, as well as the.

secured thereto and the outer end of said bar is bent inwardly and extends through a rectangular opening 86 formed in the plates 62 and 64', whereby said inner end is located adjacent the teeth of the dial gear 61'. The actuating bar is made of flexible material such as spring metal, whereby its inner end is held in constant engagement with the teeth of the'gear 61'. When the coil 89 is energized the arm 8| is attracted thereto and the actuating bar is moved to engage the next tooth of the gear 61'. As said coil is swung as shown. In such position the outer end of the arm 92 is engaging a switch blade 95 and is holding said blade in engagement with a switch blade 96 whereby an electrical circuit between said blades is closed. The blades 95 and 96 are constructed of spring metal and are mounted on an insulating block 91 secured to the plate 62. The disposition and-flexibility of the blades de-energized, the spring returns the arm 81 and bar 84 to its original position, whereby rotation is imparted to the gear 61'. Rotation of this gear rotates the small gears II and 'II' which rotate the other dial gear 61. The flat spring 19 which surrounds the shaft I3 of the small gears is so arranged that as the actuating bar rotates the gears, the spring is wound and acts to resist movement of the gears by said bar, tending at all times to rotate the gears in an opposite direction. The coil 89 which operates the actuating bar is energized periodically by an electrical time impulse mechanism a: synchronous electric motor 299 (Figure 11) whereby a step by step actuation of the dial gears is accomplished. When the magnetic element 32 is in the position shown in full lines in Figure 12 with a vehicle .within the parking space, the contact arm 49 is engaging the switch blade 44 to close the electrical circuit to said coil. Therefore, unless a vehicle is within the space, the coil 89 cannot be energized.

For holding the gear 61' from reverse rotation by the resettinggears II and 'II' while the actuating bar 84 is moving to engage the next gear tooth; a retaining pawl 96 which is constructed of flexible material, has one end secured to the outer surface of the plate 62, while its free end is arranged to engage the teeth of the gear 61'. Obviously, the ratchet bar normally prevents reverse rotation of the gears 61 and 61' and must be moved out of engagement with the teeth of the gear 61' before such reverse rotation can occur.

For limiting the rotation of the dial gears 61 and 61' in either direction, the gear 61 is provided with an outwardly extending pin 81 (Figure 8) which extends through the opening 66' in the plate 62. The pin is mounted near the periphery of the gear 61' and is shown as located opposite the zero indication on'the dial 22. The position of said pin is subject to variation and it may be disposed in any one of a number of openings 98 provided in the gear 61'. It is pointed out that the position of the pin controls the length of time which the dials will rotate and therefore, controls the parking period as registered by said dials. When the dials are inactive and the device is not registering the parking period, the pin is in engagement with an inwardly directed lug 89 provided on the lower end of a T-shaped switch member 99. As clearly shown in Figure 8, the lug is disposed above a pointer 19' secured to the plate 62' and similar to the pointer I9.

The switch member 99 includes a vertical leg 9i and a pair of laterally extending arms 92 and 93 and is pivotally mounted on a pin 94 at the upper end of the plate 62. The member is balanced so that when the pin 81 on the dial 22 is not in engagement therewith, the leg 9I is suspended vertically while the arms 92 and 93 are extending horizontally or at right angles to the leg. When the dials are inactive, however, the pin is in the position shown in Figure 8 and the member is are such that when'the pin 81 disengages the lug 89 and the switch member 99 returns to a normal position with the arm 92 horizontal, the inherent resiliency of the lower blade holds said blades in engagement, said lower blade following the upper blade in its movement. It is only when the member 99 is swung in an opposite direction by the pin 81 engaging the opposite side of the lug 89 that the blades 95 and 96 are disengaged from each other, such disengagement being affected by the blade 95 moving upwardly, due to its flexibility, away fromthe blade 96, which latter blade remains in a horizontal position. This engagement of the pin 81 with the lug 89 on the side opposite that shown in Figure 8 occurs when the dials have completed their movement and it is at this time that the blades 95 and 96 are disengaged to break the circuit therebetween. The blades are connected in the time impulse coil 89, as will be explained, and when separated break the circuit to said coil to prevent further energization thereof, which stops the rotation of the dials 22.

The other arm 98 of the switch member 99 has its outer end secured to a switch blade 98 which is carried by an insulating block 99 secured to the plate 62. This blade is arranged to engage a contact arm I99 which is also carried by said block whereby an electrical circuit is completed to a release coil I 92 which is mounted at the lower end of the plate 6I (Figure 4) as will be explained. When the switch member is in the position shown in Figure 8, the blade 98 is disengaged from the blade I99 but when the pin 81 moves away from the lug 89 of the switch member, said member swings to a normal position with its leg 9| vertical and its arms 92 and 99 horizontal. In such position, the blades 98 and I99 are engaged.

A third switch blade'I92 is mounted on the block 99 below the blade I99 and is adapted to be engaged by the blade I99 when the switch member is swung to its opposite position by the engagement of the pin 81 with the lug 89 on the side opposite that shown in Figure 8. This engagement of these switch blades closes a direct circuit to the bulb I8 to brightly illuminate said bulb and manifestly, the bright illumination oi said bulb occurs'when the travel of the dials is completed and the parking period has expired.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the dials 22 are rotated by the actuating bar 84, which is operated by the time impulse coil. As the dials begin their movement, the pin 81 leaves the lug 89 (Figure 8) to permit the switch member 99 to swing to a normal position. At such time the blades 95 and 96 which control the circuit to the impulse coil 89 remain in engagement, and the blades 98 and I99 moveinto engagement. These latter blades are connected in the circuit to the release coil I92 but cannot alone energize said coil because the contact arm 49 in the base I9 must be engaged with the arm 45 before said coil is operated and when the dials are rotated said arm 49 is engaging the contact 44 to close the circuit to the coil. Therefore, it is impossible to energize both the coils 89 and I92 simultaneously, as will be hereinafter explained.

As the dials 22 are rotated they, of course, in-

dicate the lapse of the parking time and when the period has expired, the pin 81 engages the lug 09 of the switch on the side opposite that shown in Figure 8. This swings the member from the normal position in which it has been hanging or suspended to 'a position which raises the arm 92 and lowers the arm 93. Raising of the arm 92 permits a disengagement of the blades 95 and 06 which breaks the circuit to the coil 80 to prevent further energization thereof, whereby rotation of the dials is immediately halted. At the same time, the lowering of the arm 93 engages the blades I and I03 which completes a direct circult to the bulb I8 to brightly illuminate the same. The blades 90 and I00, of course, remain in engagement but no current is passing therethrough to the release coil I02 because, as explained, said circuit is broken between the contact arm 40 and blade'43 in the base.

The parts remain in this position until the vehicle is removed from the parking space and as soon as this is done the magnet 32 in the base returns'to a normal position (dotted lines Figure 12) which engages the contact arm 40 with the blade 43, thereby completing the circuit to the release coil I02 whereby the coil is energized.

The coil I02 is mounted in a bracket I04 secured to the plate GI and a laterally extending arm I05 overlies the coil. One end of the arm I05 is secured to one end of a shaft I05 which extends through the plates SI, 62, 64 and 64, and

when the coil is energized the arm is attracted thereto to impart a rotation to the shaft. For returning the shaft and arm I05 to their original positions after the coil I02 is deenergized, a spring I0'I is confined between the inner end of the arm and a lug I04 in the bracket I04 and urges the arm upwardly. The shaft I06 extends through the plates and has its opposite end projecting from the plate 62 as shown in Figure 8,

said projecting end being located above the set screw 03. An angular release member I08 is fastened on the shaft I00 and overlies the actuating bar 04 and outer end of the ratchet bar 06. When the shaft I06 is rotated by the energization of the release coil I02, the angular member I00 is moved downwardly to engage the actuating bar 04 and ratchet bar 86 to disengage the same from the teeth of the gear 61'. Such disengagement of the bars 84 and 86 permits the flat spring I9 on the stub shaft 13 of the gears II and TI to rotate said gears and thereby impart a .reverse rotation to the gears 61 and 61. Suchreverse rotation continues until the pin 01 on the dial gear S'Istrikes the lug 89 swinging the switch member 90 to the position shown in Figure 8. Such swinging of the member separates the blades 98 and I00 to break the circuit to the coil I02, which allows the spring I01 to return the shaft I06 to its original position to swing the angular release member I00 upwardly out of engagement with the ratchet and actuating bars 05 and 00 respectively. Thus, it is manifest that when the vehicle leaves the parking space the release coil I02 is energized to return the dials 22 to a starting position in readiness for the next operation. I

The spacer members I5, and II, which are disposed between the side plates, form the coin receiving chute and passage and are clearly shown in Figure 6. The member I5 has a general angular shape and is provided with an inclined edge IIO which forms .the upper side of an inclined coin chute III which leads from the coin slot I9 j in the head or housing Id. The lower side of the chute is formed by the inclined upper edge I I2 of the member TI. The inner extremity of this edge is extended to provide a projecting point 2' which is disposed adjacent the apertures 23 in the dials 22. A coin which is inserted within the chute will roll or fall downwardly therein and will strike the lower end of a vertical bar or lever II3 which has its upper end disposed within a recess or slot II I formed in themember 15. The upper end of the lever is secured on a rotatable pin I I5 which extends outwardly through the side plate 6| (Figure 4). Normally, the lever is in the position shown in Figure 6 with its lower end in the path of the coin, but when said coin strikes the same, the lever is swung to the position shown in dotted lines thereby rotating the shaft H5.

The outer end of the shaft has an arm IIB secured thereto and rotation of the shaft swings said arm. The free end of the arm is disposed between two switch blades I I1 and H8 (Figure 4) which are secured to an insulating block II9. A contact arm I20 is located between the blades and is adapted to be engaged by one or the other thereof. When the lever H3 is in a normal position (full lines, Figure 6) the arm H0 is raised, with the blade 8 engaging the arm I20. The blade III! is connected in the circuit of the bulb I0 and co-acts with the contact arm 45 and blade 48 to impart a flashing illumination to said bulb. When a coin is inserted, the lever H3 is swung which swings the arm M0 to separate the blade H8 and arm I20 and engage the blade II! with the arm I20. The blade III is connected in the circuit of the release coil I02 and co-acts with the contact arm 00 and blade 43 in the base I0 to energize said release coil.

The spacer member It has an extension I6 which co-acts with the vertical inner edge of the member TI to form a coin passage I2I through the unit. The upper end of the extension terminates below the lower end of the lever H3 and an angular retaining pawl I22 is pivotally mounted adjacent this upper end. The pawl has an extending lug I23 which overhangs the extension and when said pawl is in the position shown in full lines in Figure 6, the distance between the lug and the point I I 2' at the lower end of the coin chute is slightly less than the diameter of the coin. Thus, when a coin is inserted in the chute, it strikes the lower end of the lever II3 to swing the same and is then caught between the lug I23 on the pawl and the point II2' which positions saidcoin between the gears 01 and 61 in alinement with the'apertures 23, whereby said coin is visible through said apertures and through the recessed openings 20 in the head or housing I4.

The coin is retained in this position until the dials 22 have completed their movement and the parking period has expired and is released only when the coil I02 is energized by the removal of the vehicle from the parking place. As has been previously explained, the release coil I02 rotates the shaft I06, which extends through the plates and rotation of the shaft disengages the actuating bar 84 and ratchet bar 00 to permit the dials to be reset. For releasing the coin from its position between the gears, an arm I24 is secured on the shaft I06 and is located between the inner plates 64 and 60 below the pawl I22. The arm is adapted to engage the depending leg I25 of the pawl I22 and when the shaft I05 is rotated by the energization of the release coil I 02, the arm I20 is swung which swings the lug I23 of the pawl up wardly, whereby the coin is permitted to fall through the coin passage I2I- and downwardly into the coin container 50. Thus, it will be seen that movement of the vehicle from the parking space energizes the release coil I02 and such energization of the coil, not only permits resetting of the dials 22 to a starting position, but also releases the coin from between said dials. It is pointed out that another coin which may be inserted before the previously deposited coin has been released cannot operate the mechanism but will merely hang in the coin chute HI above the coin held in alinement with the apertures. Therefore, the vehicle must be removed from the parking space to clear the device before it can again be actuated.

The operation and wiring diagram When the parking space is unoccupied, the magnet 32 is in the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 12 and the various switches are in the position shown in full lines in the other figures. The position of the switches is also shown in full lines in the wiring diagram in Figure 11. At this time the contact arm 40 within the base I is engaging the switch blade 43 and the current from the synchronous motor 200 is flowing through the wire A and to the blade 43. The motor or time impulse mechanism 200 forms no part of the present invention and, as shown in Figure 11, is of the usual construction. This mechanism includes a cam 2000. having a pivoted arm 200b riding on its periphery. The arm 20% is pivoted on a second arm 200a and a spring 200d is secured to the arm 200b, holding it in engagement with the cam 200a. The outer end of the arm 200i) is adjacent a switch blade 20I which is arranged to engage a blade 202 to close a circuit to a relay 203 to energize the latter; The relay 203 controls a switch arm 204 which closes the circuit to the operating coil 80 of the meter.

The cam is carried by the constantly rotating shaft and, as the arm 20% drops off the offset in the cam 200a, the switch blades 20I and 202 are engaged to close a circuit to the relay 203 and thereby energize the operating coil 80. When the second arm'200c drops ofi the offset in the cam, the end of the arm 20% is disengaged from the blade 20I to break the circuit. As the cam rotates, the making and breaking of the circuit to the coil 80 is continued, resulting in a step-bystep actuation of the dials.

Upon each electrical impulse, the current flowing through the wire A also flows to the blade 43. From the blade the current passes through a wire I020 to the release coil I02, through said release coil and then through a wire I02b which connects to the switch blades 98 and H1. The switch blade 98 is disengaged from the contact arm I00 which contact arm is connected to a ground wire I00a. It is noted that the switch blade 98 is held in its disengaged position by the T-shaped switch member 90, as is clearly shown in Figure 8. The switch blade III which is also connected to the wire I02b leading from the release coil is disengaged from the contact arm I20 by the arm I I6, which latter arm is controlled by the lever I I3 within the coin chamber. The contact arm I20 is also connected to the ground wire I00a and therefore the circuit to the release coil is broken when a vehicle is not within the space.

The position of the magnet 32 (dotted lines in Figure 12) also permits the engagement of the contact arm 45 with the switch blade 41. The current from the motor 200 flows through the wire A and then through a wire I8a which is connected to one side of the bulb 18. The other side of the bulb I8 is connected through a wire I8b with the contact arm 45, whereby the current flows to the switch blade 41. From the blade 4'! the current is conducted through a wire 47a which is connected to the ground wire I 00a to complete the circuit through the bulb I8. A suitable resistance R is connected in the wire 41a whereby the current passes through this resistance and causes the bulb to be dimly illuminated at this time. Thus, when the device is not operating and a vehicle is not occupying the space adjacent thereto, the current to the bulb I8 is completed through the resistance R whereby a dim light is visible to the observer. At this time the circuit to the release coil W2 is broken because of the position of the switch blades 98 and I I1. Also, the circuit to the time impulse coil which actuates the dials 22 is broken since the contact arm 40 is disengaged from the contact blade 44.

When a vehicle enters the parking space, the magnet 32 is attracted toward said vehicle, whereby it is moved to the position shown in full lines in Figure 12. Such movement of the magnet disengages the contact arm 40 from the blade 43, whereby the circuit to the release coil is broken at this point. It is noted that the circuit to said release coil cannot be closed until the vehicle leaves the parking space and returns the magnet 32 to its original normal position and, therefore, so long as the car remains in the space, the release coil cannot be energized regardless of the position of the switch blades 98 and I I1 connected in the release coil circuit.

As the magnet is swung by the entrance of the vehicle, the contact arm 40 is swung to engage the blade 44 whereby the current from the motor 200 may flow through the supply wire A through the contact arm 40 and to the blade 44. From the blade 44 the current flows through a wire 80a to the switch blade 96 which is mounted on the side plate 62' of the dial'unit. The switch blade isin engagement with the blade 95 which is connected by a wire 80b to one side of the time impulse coi180. The other side of the coil 80 is connected to the supply wire B whereby the circuit to the motor is complete. As soon as the coil 80 is energized by the engagement of the arm 40 with the blade 44, the dials 22 begin their rotation through the medium of the actuating bar 84 operated by the coil 80. As the dials begin their movement, the pin 81 moves away from the lug 89 of the switch member 90, whereby said member is permitted to move to a normal position with its vertical leg 90 suspended from the pin 94 and the arms 92 and 93 extending horizontally of the side plate 62. The swinging of the switch member 90 does not disengage the blades 95 and 96 and thereby hold the circuit to the coil 80 complete throughout the rotation of the dials 22. However, when the switch member 90 is swung the switch blade 98 is engaged with the contact arm I00 whereby the circuit to the coil I02 is made ready for completion whenever the contact arm 40 is re-engaged with the switch blade 43.

The swinging of the magnet 32 by the entrance of the vehicle not only closes the circuit to the actuating coil 80, but also disengages the contact arm 45 from the switch blade 41, swinging said arm so as to engage it with the switch blade 48.

The switch blade 48 is connected by a wire 48a with a suitable flashing mechanism F. The other side of said flasher is connected by a wire 48b with the switch blade II8, which blade is mounted on the side plate Iil of the dial unit and is controlled in its movement by the arm IIB which is actuatedby the lever I I3 within the coin chamber. The blade H8 is engaging the'contact arm I20 which is connected to the common ground wire I000 and therefore until a coin is inserted in the coin chute to swing the lever 3, the circuit between the blade H8 and arm I20 is complete.

Therefore, it will be seen that when the magnet 32 is swung to engage the contact arm 45 with the switch blade 48, the circuit to the bulb I8 is through the supply wire A, wire I8a, bulb I8, wire I8b, contact arm 45, switch blade 48, flasher F, switch blade 8 and finally through the contact arm I20 to the ground side of the circuit. A completion of the electrical circuit through the flasher F causes the bulb I8 to change from a dim glow to a constant flashing. This indicates to the motorist that his vehicle is properly parked within the parking space and a coin must be inserted to pay for the parking period. The time as indicated by the dials 22 begins to register, however, as soon as the vehicle enters the space for as soon as the arm 40 contacts the blade 44, the circuit to the time impulse coil 80 is complete and the dials begin their rotation at this time.

Therefore, if the vehicle is removed from the space, the release coil I02 is energized, whereby the shaft I08 is rotated through the medium of the arm I05 which is attracted to the coil by the energization thereof. Rotation oi. the shaft I08 swings the release member I08 to disengage'the actuating bar 84 and the ratchet bar 86 from the teeth of the dial gear 61', whereby the flat spring 19 surrounding the stub shaft 13 of the resetting gears II and 'II' is permitted to return the dials to a starting position. It is pointed out that when the circuit is completed to the releasecoil I02.

the disengagement of the contact arm with the contact 44 breaks the circuit to the time impulse or actuating coil 80.

"The rotation of the shaft I08 by the release coil I02 also swings the arm I24 which is located between the plates of the dial unit 60 (Figure 6). The swinging of this arm causes the arm I22 to swing upwardly, whereby the coin which is retained in alinement with the apertures 23 is per- When a coin is inserted in the coin slot I9, it

will fall downwardly through the coin chute III and will strike the lower end of the pivoted lever H3 whereby said lever will rotate the shaft H5 and will swing the arm H6 downwardly (Figure 4). This swinging of the arm H6 disengages the switch blade I I8 from the contact arm I20 whereby the bulb circuit through the flasher F is immediately broken. Breaking of this circuit extinguishes the bulb I8. The bulb remains in this condition until the parking period has expired as will be presently explained. At the same time that the arm H8 disengages the blade IIB from its contact arm I20, it engages the switch blade ill with said contact arm I20 so as to close the circuit from the wire I021) to the ground I00a. However, the release coil I02 which is connected to the wire M2?) is not actuated at this time because, as has been hereinbefore pointed out, the contact arm 40 is disengaged from the switch blade 03 which is connected to the other side of the release coil I02.

From the above, it will be seen that insertion of the coin into the coin chute HI will swing the lever i I3 within the dial unit 80, whereby the arm i it will be swung to extinguish the bulb it. The parts remain in this position and the dials continue their rotation to indicate or record the parking period. In the event that the vehicle is removed from the parking space before the dials 22 have completed their movement, it will be manifest that such removal of the vehicle will return the magnet 32 to its original or normal position as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 12. In such case, the contact arm 00 within the base I0 will be disengaged from the blade 00 and re-engaged with the blade 03. The engagement of the arm 40 with the blade 43 will close the electrical circuit to the release coil I02, the

current flowing from the supply wire A, through the arm 40, blade 43, wire I02a, then through the coil, wire I02b, switch blade 98 and contact arm tact arm I00 (Figure 8) since the switch member.

90 is in a normal position with its arms 92 and 93 extending horizontally of the side plate 62.

mitted to fall downwardly through the coin passage I2I. Thus, at the same time that the dials 22 are returned to theirstarting position, the coin is released from its position between the dials. As the dials 22 return to a starting position, the pin 81 on the dial gear 61 strikes the lug 89 of the switch member 90 to return the same to the position shown in, Figure 8-. This disengages the blade 98 from the contact arm I00 whereby the circuit to the release coil is again broken. At the same time, the release of the coin from within the dial unit permits the lever II3 within said unit to swing to its normal, position, whereby the arm (I8 is returned to theposition shown in Figure 4, whereby the switch blade I I8 is re-engaged with the contact arm I20.

The return of the magnet 32 to its normal position by the removal of the vehicle not only closes the contact to the release coil as explained, but also disengages the switch arm 05 from the contact blade 08 and engages said arm with the blade ll. Such engagement of the arm 8% with the blade 0! again closes the circuit to the bulb (8 through the resistance R whereby said light bulb is again dimly lighted to indicate that the parking space is unoccupied.

Assuming that the vehicle remains in the parking space throughout the parking period, it will be seen that the dials continue their rotation until such time as the pin 81 on the dial gear 81'' position, whereby the arm 92 of said switch mem-' ber is raised, while the arm 93 is lowered. The raising of the arm 92 disengages the switch blades 95 and 95, whereby the circuit to the time impulse coil 00 is broken. The breaking of this circuit causes the dials 22 to immediately stop in their rotation. At the same time that the blades 95 and 98 are separated, the arm 93 has moved downwardly a sufficient distance to engage the blade I00 with the blade I03, whereby a circuit is closed therebetween. By referring to the diagram, Figure 11, it will be evident that when the arm I00 and blade I03 are engaged the electrical current is flowing from the motor 200 through the supply line A, wire I8a, through the bulb I8 and then through a wire l03a which is connected to the blade I03. The current flows through the blade I03 and'arm I00 and then to the common ground I00a, whereby a direct circuit through the bulb is completed. This direct circuit causes the bulb to be brightly illuminated, which indicates that the parking period has expired.

" After the expiration of the parking period, the parts remain in this position until such time as the vehicle is removed from the parking space. The removal of the vehicle will cause the magnet 32 to return to its normal position (dotted lines, Figure 12) which causes the contact arms 40 and 45 to disengage the switch blades 44 and 48 re- 7 I spectively and to reengage the switch blades 43 and 41 respectively. Such movement of the contact arms 40 and 45 causes the release coil I02 to be energized as has been explained, which brings about a return of the dials 22 to their normal or starting position which is that shown in Figure 8. Also the circuit to the bulb I8 is again directed through the arm 45.and the switch blade 41 and through the resistance R whereby the bright light is changed to a dim glow upon the removal of the vehicle. At the same time that the dials are returned to a starting position, the coin is released from its position in alinement with the apertures 23 so as to clear the coin chute and passage. Therefore, it will be seen that after a parking period has expired it is impossible to insert another coin to operate the device until the vehicle has been removed from the parking space.

For electrically disconnecting all of the meters operated from the lead wires A and B, a master switch 300, which may be manually operated, is connected in the wire B adjacent the time impulse mechanism 200 and, obviously, when this switch is open, the circuit through wires A and B is open. To individually cut out any meter, a manually operated switch 300a is connected in the wire, preferably adjacent the operating coil. These switches are optional and may or may not be employed, as desired.

In some instances, the parking spaces on the street are not arranged in parallel relation to the curbstone and, in such case, it might be diflicult to bring the vehicle sufliciently close to the base ill to affect movement of the magnet 32. This would be particularly true where vehicles must be parked at a 45 degree angle with relation to the street curbing.

In Figure l3, a modified form of magnetic element for use in the above instances is shown. This form includes a housing I30 of a nonmagnetic material which is buried or embedded within the earth or pavement beneath the parking space. A magnet 32' is located within one end of the housing and has its poles directed upwardly. The magnet is secured to one end of a rod l3| which has a counter-balancing weight I32 secured to its other end. The rod l3l is mounted on a triangular shaped pin or bar I33 which is similar to the pin 35. With such arrangement, it will be evident that the magnet is balanced within the housing and when a vehicle passes thereover, the magnetic mass of said vehicle will attract the magnet 32' whereby the rod It is swung. The upward movement of the magnet 32' causes the weight I32 to be moved downwardly. This weight carries a suitable 'actuating bar I34 which is adapted to engage the contact arms 45 and 40 which are located within the lower end of the housing I313. The operation of the remaining parts of the device is exactly the same as has been described and the arrangement shown in Figure 13 is merely another form of mounting the magnetic element 32.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A coin receiving parking device including, a

housing, timing mechanism within the housing, actuating means for said mechanism, a single electrically operated lamp carried by the housing and visible from the exterior thereoi', means for illuminating the lamp in different degrees, means within the housing actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space adjacent the bollsing for controlling the operation of the time mechanism actuating means and also for controlling the operation of the lamp illuminating means to change the degree of illumination of said lamp, and means actuated by the insertion of a coin for actuating the illuminating means to de-energize the lamp to extinguish the same.

, 2. A coin receiving parking device including, a housing, timing mechanism within the housing, actuating means for said mechanism, a single electrically operated lamp carried by the housing and visible from the exterior thereof,

means for illuminating the lamp in different degrees, means within the housing actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space adjacent the housing for controlling the operation of the time mechanism actuating means and also for controlling the operation of the lamp illuminating means to changethe degree of illumination of said lamp, means actuated by the insertion of a coin for actuating the illuminating means to de-energize the lamp to extinguish the same, means within the housing operated by the timing mechanism for halting the operation of said mechanism, and means also actuated by said timing mechanism for again operating the illuminating means to re-energi'ze the lamp when the parking period has expired.

3. A coin receiving parking device including, a housing, timing mechanism within the housing, actuating means for said mechanism, a single electrically operated lamp carried by the housing and visible from the exterior thereof, means for illumirftfting the lamp in different degrees, means within the housing actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space adjacent the housing for controlling the operation of the time mechanism actuating means and also for controlling the operation of the lamp illuminating means to change the degree of illumination of said lamp, means actuated by the insertion of a coin for actuating the illuminating means to de-energize the lamp to extinguish the same, means within the housing operated by the timing mechanism for halting the operation of said mechanism, means also actuated by said timing mechanism for again operating the illuminating means to re-energize the lamp when the parking period has expired, and means actuated upon the removal of the vehicle from the parking space for returning the timing mechanism to its starting position.

4. A coin receiving parking device including, a housing, a timing mechanism within the housing, an electrically operatedsignal carried by the housing and visible from any direction exteriorly of the housing, illuminating means for the signal, means for operating said illuminating means to dimly illuminate the signal when a vehicle is not parked within the'parking space adjacent the housing, means within the housing and actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space for operating the timing mechanism, said means also actuating the illuminating means for imparting a flashing illumination to the signal to indicate that the vehicle is properly parked, and means actuated by the insertion of a coin into the device for extinguishing the signal.

5. A coin receiving parking device including, a housing, a timing mechanism within the housing, an electrically operated signal carried by the housing and visible from any direction exteriorly of the housing, illuminating means for the signal, means for operating said illuminating means to dimly illuminate the signal when a vehicle is not parked within the parking space adjacent the housing, means within the housing and actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space for operating the timing mechanism, said means also actuating the illuminating means for imparting a flashing illumination to the signal to indicate that the vehicle is properly parked, means actuated by the insertion of a coin into the device for extinguishing the signal, and means for brightly illuminating said signal when the parking period as indicated by the timing mechanism has expired to indicate expiration of the parking period.

6. A coin receiving parking device including, a housing, a timing mechanism within the housing, an electrically operated signal carried by the housing and visible from any direction exteriorly of the housing, illuminating means for the signal,

means for operating said illuminating means to dimly illuminate the signal when a vehicle is not parked within the parking space adjacent the housing, means within the housing and actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space for operating the timing mechanism, said means also actuating the illuminating means for imparting a flashing illumination to the signal .to indicate that the vehicle is properly parked,

means actuated by the insertion of a coin into the device for extinguishing the signal, and means for brightly illuminating said signal when the parking period as indicated by the timing mechanism has expired to indicate the expiration of the parking period, and means actuated upon the removal of the vehicle from the space for extinguishing the bright illumination of the signal, thereby permitting said signal to be again dimly lighted to indicate that the space is unoccupied.

7. A coin receiving parking device including, a housing, a timing mechanism within the housing, an electrically operated signal carried by the housing and visible from any direction exteriorly of the housing, illuminating means for the signal, means for operating said illuminating means to dimly illuminate the signal when a vehicle is not parked within the parking space adjacent the housing, means within the housing and actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space for operating the timing mechanism, said means also actuating the illuminating means for imparting a flashing illumination to the signal to indicate that the vehicle is properly parked, means actuated by the insertion of a coin into the device for extinguishing the signal, means operated by the timing mechanism for halting the operation thereof, means also operated by the timing mechanism for brightly illuminating the signal when the parking period as indicated by said dials has expired, means actuated upon the removal of the vehicle from the space for extinguishing the bright illumination of the signal, thereby permitting the signal to again be dimly illuminated to indicate that the space is unoccupied, and means also actuated upon removal of the vehicle for returning the timing mechanism to a starting position.

8. A coin receiving parking device including, a

, housing, a single electrically operated lamp 9. A coin receiving parking device including, a

housing, a single electrically operated lamp mounted in the housing and visible from all directions exteriorly of said housing, means for lighting said lamp in a particular manner when no vehicle is parked in the parking space adjacent the housing, means within the housing and actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space for changing the illumination of the lamp, means actuated by the insertion of a coin into the device for extinguishing said lamp, means again illuminating the lamp in a manner different from the previous illumination thereof when the parking period has expired, and means actuated by the removal of the vehicle from the parking space for again illuminating the lamp in the first mentioned manner.

10. A parking device including, a housing having alined openings in opposite sides thereof, ro-

tatable time indicating dials in said housing and visible through said openings, said dials being spaced from each other and having apertures therein, a coin chute in the housing leading from the exterior of the housing between the dials, and means for retaining the coin in said chute in alinement with the apertures in said dials,

whereby the coin and dials are visible through the sight openings in the housing.

11. A parking device including, a housing hav=- ing alined sight openings in opposite sides thereof, rotatable time indicating dials in said housing and visible through said openings, said dials being spaced from each other and having apertures therein, a coin chute in the housing leading from the exterior of the housing between the dials, means for retaining the coin in said chute in alinement with the apertures in said dials, whereby the coin and dials are visible through the sight openings in the housing, means for imparting rotation to the dials, means within the housing actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space adjacent the housing for operating the rotating means to impart rotation to the dials, means for returning the dials to .a starting position, and means for releasing the coin from its position in alinement with the apertures in the dials, this latter means being actuated upon removal of the vehicle from the parking space.

12. A parking device including, a housing having alined sight openings in opposite sides thereof, rotatable time indicating dials in said'housing and visible through said openings, said dials being spaced from each other and having apertures therein, a coin chute in the housing leading from the exterior of the housing between the dials, means for retaining the coin in said chute in alinement with the apertures in said dials, whereby the coin and dials are visible through the sight openings in the housing, an electrically operated signal carried by the housing and visible from the exterior of said housing, means for controlling the illumination of the signal, means within the housing actuated by the entrance oi a vehicle into the parking space adjacent the housing for rotating the dials and for actuating the control means for the signal to illuminate the same, and means actuated by the insertion of the coin into the chute for extinguishing said signal.

13. A parking device including, a housing having alined sight openings in opposite sides thereof, rotatable time indicating dials in said housing and visible through said openings, said dials being spaced from each other and having apertures therein, a coin chute in the housing leading from the exterior of the housing between the dials,

means for retaining the coin in said chute in alinement with the apertures in said dials, whereby the coin and dials are visible through the sight openings in the housing, an electrically operated signal carried by the housing and visible from the exterior of said housing, means for controlling the illumination of the signal, means within the housing actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space adjacent the housing for rotating the dials and for actuating the control means for the signal to illuminate the same, means actuated by the insertion of the coin into the chute for extinguishing said signal, means within the housing actuated upon the removal of the vehicle from said space for returning the dials to a starting position, and means also actuated upon removal of the vehicle from said space for releasing the coin from its position in alinement with the apertures in the dials.

14. A coin receiving parking device including, a housing having an opening therein, a time indicating element within the housing and visible through the opening and having an aperture therein, a coin chute within the housing leading past the aperture in the time indicating element, and means for retaining a coin in alinement with said aperture whereby both the coin and element are visible through the opening.

15. A coin receiving parking device including, a housing having an opening therein, a time indicating element within the housing and visible through the, opening and having an aperture therein; a coin chute within the housing leading past the aperture in the time indicating element, means for retaining a coin in alinement with said aperture whereby both the coin and element are visible through the opening, means within the housingand actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space adjacent the housing for operating the time indicating element, means for returning said element to a starting position, and means for releasing the coin from its position in alinement with the aperture in said element, both last named means being operated when the vehicle is removed from the parking space.

16. A coin receiving parking device including, a housing having alined openings therein, rotatable time indicating dials within the housing and visible through said openings, each dial having an aperture therein which apertures are aligned, a coin chute leading past the apertures in the dials, means for retaining a coin in said chute in alinement with said apertures whereby the coin and dials are visible through the openings in the housing, an electrically operated signal carried by the housing, means for controlling the illumination of the signal means wholly within the housing actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space adjacent the housing for operating the dials and for actuating the control means to illuminate the signal,

means actuated by the insertion of a coin into the coin chute for extinguishing the signal, and means within the housing operated by the dials for halting the operation thereof and means also actuated by the dials for re-energizing the signal to illuminate the same when the parking period has expired.

17. A coin receiving parking device including, a housing having alined openings therein, rotatable time indicating dials within the housing and visible through said openings, each dial having an aperture therein, which apertures are alined, a coin chute leading past the apertures in the dials, means for retaining a coin in said chute in alinement with said apertures whereby the coin and dials are visible through the openings in the housing, an electrically operated signal carried by the housing, means for controlling the illumination of the signal, means within the housing actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space adjacent the housing for operating the dials and for actuating the control means to illuminate the signal, means actuated by the insertion of a coin into the coin chute for extinguishing the signal, means within the housing operated by the dials for halting the operation thereof and means also actuated by the dials for re-energizing the signal to illuminate the same when the parking period has expired, and means within the housing actuated by the removal of the vehicle from said space for returning'the dials to a starting position, and for means also actuated upon the removal of the vehicle from the parking space for releasing the coin from its position in alinement with the apertures in the dials.

18. A parking device including, a housing, a timing mechanism mounted within the housing, an electrical coil for actuating the timing mechanism, a magnet mounted to swing in the lower end of the housing, an electrical switch adapted to be engaged by the magnet when the same is swung due to theentrance of a vehicle into the space adjacent the housing for closing an electrical circuit to the coil to actuate the timing mechanism, a second electrical switch actuated by the time indicating mechanism when .the parking period has expired to break the circuit to the coil and halt actuation of the mechanism, a release coil for permitting the time indicating mechanism to return to a starting position, and a third electrical switch adapted to be closed by the magnet when the same returns to its original position upon the removal of the vehicle from the parking space for energizing said release coil.

19. A coin receiving parking meter including, a housing, an electrical signal mounted on the housing and visible from any direction exteriorly of said housing, a magnet in the lower end of the housing and arranged to be swung by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space adjacent thereto, a switch adapted to be engaged by the magnet when the same is in a normal position for closing an electrical circuit to the signal to illuminate the same in a particular manner, a second switch adapted to be engaged by the magnet when the same is swung by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space adjacent the housing for closing another electrical circuit to the signal to change the illumination thereof, a coin chute within the housing for receiving a coin, and means within said chute for extinguishing said signal when a coin is inserted. I

20. A coin receiving parking meter including, a housing, an electrical signal mounted on the housing and visible from any direction exteriorly of said housing, a. magnet in the lower end of the housing and arranged to be swung by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space adjacent thereto, a switch adapted to be engaged by the magnet when the same'is in a normal position for closing an electrical circuit to the signal to illuminate the same in a particular manner, a second switch adapted to be engaged by the magnet when the same is swung by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space adjacent the housing for closing another electrical circuit to the signal to change the illumination thereof, a coin chute within the housing for receiving a coin, an electric switch connected in the electrical circuit of the signal, means within said chute engageable by the coin and adapted to engage the switch to open the same for extinguishing said signal when a coin isinserted, a time indicating mechanism within said housing, and means actuated by said mechanism for again illuminating the signal when the parking period as indicated by said element has expired.

, 21. A parking device including, an elongate housing, a time indicating mechanism in the upper end of the housing, a coin chute and passage leading from the upper end of the housing to a point below the time indicating mechanism, the housing having an elongate opening in one side thereof below the indicating mechanism, whereby access to the interior of the housing may be had, a coin receptacle within this portion of the housing, a sleeve slidable on the housing for closing said opening, and means for locking said sleeve in position closing said opening.

22. A coin receiving parking device including, a housing, a timing mechanism within the housing, an electrically operated signal carried by the housing and visible from any direction exteriorly of the housing, means for dimly illuminating the signal when a vehicle is not parked within the parking space adjacent the housing, means embedded in the parking berth, and actuated by the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space for operating the timing mechanism and for imparting a flashing illumination to the signal to indicate that the vehicle is properly parked, and means actuated by the insertion of a coin into the device for extinguishing the signal.

HERMAN S. JOHNS. 

